Celebrating Swami Vivekananda's Legacy: "Swami Vivekananda Milan Mela" Inaugurated in Kolkata

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 11, 2025, Kolkata :  The "Swami Vivekananda Milan Mela" commenced today in celebration of Swami Vivekananda's 162nd birth anniversary. The fair was officially inaugurated by distinguished guests who lit the ceremonial lamp at Kali Singhi Park. This event, organized jointly by Vivekananda Pathachak and Sanskar Bharati, will continue for the next five days and is open to the public with free entry.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Swami Gyanolokananda Maharaj, Secretary of Swami Vivekananda’s ancestral home, Colonel (retd) Sabyasachi Bagchi, Sanghadhyak of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Girishananda Maharaj, and renowned lawyer Anindya Kumar Mitra. In his address, Swami Gyanolokananda Maharaj highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “Vivekananda Milan Mela is an occasion for unity among all. Swamiji’s life and ideology show a new direction in the life of every person.”

Colonel Sabyasachi Bagchi emphasized the importance of Vivekananda’s birthplace, noting, “Swami Vivekananda’s birthplace is our workplace. Our main objective is to present his ideals to everyone.” Girishananda Maharaj added, “Our goal is to reach Swamiji’s knowledge and spiritual ideals to the common people.” Anindya Kumar Mitra called the fair a unique platform to spread Swamiji’s ideology and ideals.

Sudip Dutta, General Secretary of Vivekananda Pathachakra, mentioned that the fair’s primary objective is to bring together people from all walks of life under the banner of Swamiji’s teachings. Subhash Bhattacharya, Vice President and Executive President of Sanskar Bharati West Bengal, shared that they have been celebrating this birth anniversary since 1970, and over the past 15 years, the event has evolved into a grand fair aimed at spreading Swamiji’s philosophy on a larger scale.

The five-day fair will feature a variety of cultural programs, lectures, and exhibitions that aim to educate the public about Swami Vivekananda’s life and philosophy. Organizers hope that the event will serve as a significant gathering for the community, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Swamiji’s enduring influence on society.